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Why Can’t My Horse Gain Weight?

by Curtis Greenwald on Mar 26, 2024

Why Can’t My Horse Gain Weight?

The struggle to help equine companions maintain a healthy weight can be frustrating and concerning for many horse owners. Despite dedicated efforts to provide quality forage and feed, some horses seem resistant to gaining the desired weight.


At Camelina Gold, we recognize this challenge and are dedicated to providing solutions that promote equine health and well-being. In this article, we will look at factors contributing to weight loss, and how we can offer assistance.

Factors Contributing to Weight Loss:

Several factors can contribute to a horse's inability to gain weight effectively. Age is a significant factor, as older horses may have difficulty maintaining weight due to decreased digestive efficiency or underlying health issues. Similarly, horses with high workloads or those engaged in strenuous activities may burn more calories than they consume, leading to weight loss.


Furthermore, underlying health conditions, such as dental problems, ulcers, or parasitic infestations, can also impact a horse's ability to properly digest and absorb nutrients from their diet, hindering weight gain efforts.

Assessing Your Horse's Weight:

Before implementing any changes to your horse's nutrition program, it's crucial to accurately assess their weight or body condition score (BCS). This can be done through weight calculations based on measurements or by using the Henneke Body Condition Scoring system, which evaluates the amount of fat coverage on specific areas of the horse's body.


Identifying the Root Cause:

If your horse is struggling to gain weight, it's essential to identify and address any underlying health issues that may be contributing to the problem. Common conditions like dental issues, ulcers, and parasites can significantly impact a horse's ability to absorb nutrients effectively. Consulting with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist can help pinpoint the root cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.


Optimizing Nutrition:

Once any underlying health concerns have been addressed, optimizing your horse's nutrition becomes paramount. Quality forage, such as hay or pasture, should be the foundation of your horse's diet, as it provides essential fiber and nutrients for overall health and weight gain.


However, in some cases, additional supplementation may be necessary to support weight gain. Incorporating high-calorie sources like fats, oils, and super fibers into your horse's diet can provide concentrated energy and promote weight gain when combined with a balanced ration.

Introducing Camelina Equine Oil from Camelina Gold:

At Camelina Gold, we offer a unique and highly effective solution to support weight gain in horses: Camelina Equine Oil. This 100% raw, cold-pressed oil derived from US-grown camelina seeds is a rich source of Omega Fatty Acids, making it an ideal supplement for horses struggling to maintain a healthy weight.


Camelina Equine Oil offers a unique balance of Omega 3, 6, and 9 essential fatty acids in an almost perfect 2:1:2 ratio, which is often lacking in traditional equine diets and supplements. Additionally, it is exceptionally high in Vitamin E, including alpha, beta, and gamma-tocopherols, which act as powerful natural antioxidants and contribute to the oil's impressive 18-month shelf life.


The benefits of Camelina Equine Oil for horses are well-documented, with scientific research citing its ability to promote:


- Anti-inflammatory response

- Arthritic and chronic pain relief

- Improved allergic and respiratory response

- Enhanced joint mobility and flexibility

- Muscle health and performance quality

- Stronger immune system function

- Bone structure health

- Increased energy and improved mood

- Reproductive health

- A healthier coat, mane, and tail sheen


Not only is Camelina Equine Oil beneficial for horses, but it also serves as a great source of nutrition for your other furry companions, including farm dogs and cats.


Implementation Tips for Camelina Equine Oil:

To ensure optimal results and safe introduction of Camelina Equine Oil into your horse's diet, follow these guidelines:


Consultation: Before adding any new supplement, consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to ensure it's appropriate for your horse's specific needs.


Gradual Introduction: Introduce Camelina Equine Oil gradually to your horse's diet to allow for adaptation and minimize the risk of digestive upset.


Dosage: Follow the recommended dosage guidelines provided by Camelina Gold or your equine nutritionist based on your horse's weight and individual requirements.


Mixing: Mix Camelina Equine Oil thoroughly with your horse's regular feed to ensure even distribution and palatability.


Monitoring: Monitor your horse's weight and overall condition regularly after introducing Camelina Equine Oil to assess its effectiveness and make any necessary adjustments to the feeding regimen.


Consistency: Maintain a consistent feeding schedule and dosage of Camelina Equine Oil to support steady weight gain and overall health in your horse.

Conclusion:

At Camelina Gold, we are dedicated to providing horse owners with high-quality, effective solutions to support their equine companions' well-being. If you've been struggling to help your horse gain weight, consider incorporating Camelina Equine Oil into their diet. With its unique blend of essential fatty acids and natural antioxidants, this premium oil can support weight gain while promoting overall health and vitality.


Visit our website today to learn more about our Camelina Equine Oil and our commitment to offering exceptional products that nourish and support equine health. Together, we can help your horse achieve and maintain a healthy weight, allowing them to thrive and perform at their best.

FAQs

Why isn't my horse putting weight on?                                                                                   

If your horse isn't putting on weight, it could be due to various factors such as dental issues, underlying health conditions, or inadequate nutrition. Consulting with a veterinarian can help identify the root cause and develop a suitable plan to address it.

 

How can I fatten up my horse?                                                                                                  

To help fatten up your horse, focus on providing a balanced diet with quality forage, supplemented with concentrates if necessary. Additionally, consider adjusting feeding frequency, providing access to grazing, and ensuring proper dental care to optimize nutrient absorption.

 

Why is my horse eating but not gaining weight?                                                 

 

If your horse is eating but not gaining weight, it may indicate underlying health issues such as parasites, ulcers, or metabolic disorders. A thorough veterinary examination, including blood work and fecal testing, can help determine the cause and guide treatment to support weight gain.